Help my sister beat "Awkward Body Part" cancer!

Hi! My name is Nikki and my little sister, Ryan, has just been diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive adenocarcinoma.

It's primarily in the colorectal area which is why she has decided to call it Awkard Body Part cancer. Those were her exact words when she called to let me know the final diagnosis.

Ryan has been in a lot of pain and discomfort over the last couple of years and has continued to work and try to maintain as normal a life as possible. She has had to miss out on family gatherings and work due to the physical pain that she has been in. While finding out that cancer is the cause and an answer no one wants to hear, Ryan is relieved to know there is something actually going on and a plan of attack can be made.

To that point, Ryan had a port inserted on January 9th, and planned to begin chemo on January 17th, but due to the snow in Tennessee, she will start treatment on January 24th.

She is going to be going for chemo treatments for 6wks and then they will do additional scans to determine the next steps.

Ryan will be working as much as she can during this time. Thankfully, her job has good insurance and the HR department have been working with her to ensure that her job is able to be done from home during all that lies ahead.

I'm starting this fundraiser to help with all the costs that we know are going to come. My parents and additional family members are going to be helping get her to and from chemo treatments and assisting with her care. I am currently on a travel contract in Boston and can't be there for those appointments so I wanted to set this up for her to help out as best I could.

As you can tell by her determination to call it something funny, she has a great sense of humor and good attitude about this situation. Ryan loves to sing, hang out with her dog, Rocco, and loves to spend time outside. She has always been a defender of the underdog and littlest around her. Now she needs others to come to her side, the way she has countless others over the years. The money that is raised through this will go to any medical bills, travel costs to and from the Dr's offices, and any potential surgery that may be ahead.

If you are able to give even a dollar, know that we are all so grateful for you and your gift. Thank you!

With hope, gratitude, and lots of love,

Nikki